About Me and My Solar Energy Website
My name is Michael and I'd like to welcome you to my solar energy website!
Here's MichaelI'd like to give you some insight into why I am passionate about solar energy and how this website came about. But first, there are a couple of things you need to know about me.
The first thing you should know about me is that I strive for...
A Sense Of Harmony
We are all connected to everyone and everything in the universe.
- Serge Kahili King
My solar energy story begins in Taos, New Mexico.
Taos is a small town nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico. It is an old Spanish settlement that was built next to an even older Indian settlement. This is where I grew up.
I spent much of my free time running, hiking, and exploring the mountains around Taos. It's an amazing experience to be able to watch the Sun set from a mountain trail on the western side of the range after having run several miles through the mountains. You're physically spent, but can feel the grandness of nature flowing through your body. It was during this that time I developed a strong connection with the Earth.
However, as with many young men graduating from high school, I was ready to leave small town life behind me as soon as I could. And so I left Taos just a month after graduating and headed off to college.
It was a good thing I left, because during my sophomore year of college I discovered Aikido. Aikido is a Japanese martial art where the attackers strength and force is redirected and used against him. The Aikido practicioner blends with the incoming attack and is able to take control. He tries to control the confrontation in such a way that neither himself nor the attacker is unnecessarily hurt.
It took me some years to realize this, but eventually I experienced enough of life to see how my time in the Taos mountains and my Aikido training complemented each other. I started to get a sense of the harmony that was possible with myself, with other people, and with the Earth.
So what does this have to do with solar energy? Well, I'll tell you in just a minute.
But first, you should also know that I have...
A Need For Practical Action
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
- Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)
In addition to striving for a sense of harmony in all aspects of my life, I also have a strong need for practical action.
When I am exposed to something new, I want to know how I can use it. In other words, what are it's practical applications? For me, this also means having a solid understanding of the underlying science and principles.
In addition to looking at the practical applications of products and technologies, I am also strongly driven to take action. But I hate to take the wrong action, so from years of leading high-tech R&D, systems, and customer projects I've learned to use the following high-level approach to making sure I take the right actions:
- Vision: Define the desired outcome.
- Plan: Identify the actions needed to reach the desired outcome.
- Execute: Take the planned actions. Replan as needed.
- Complete: Make sure all needed actions have been completed.
This approach works for small projects around the house as well as multi-million dollar projects.
Why Solar Energy?
I'd put my money on the Sun and solar energy. What a source of power!
- Thomas Edison (1847 - 1931)
The potential for solar energy is astounding. In one hour, enough sunlight reaches the Earth to supply its energy needs for an entire year!
In addition to the tremendous amount of energy provided by the Sun, it is also accessible to most people. No government or company can control its availability to the individual. If you can see the Sun, you can harness its power!
And even more importantly, the technology exists today that makes it possible for individual home owners to make use of this endless source of energy. Unlike other types of energy that require significant capital in order to capture and prepare the energy before being ready for homeowners to use, solar energy is very economical for small scale, individual home use. And solar technology is getting more efficient and affordable every day!
A Beautiful Taos SunriseSolar energy's potential and availability combined with current and upcoming technology fits perfectly with my sense of harmony. Increased solar energy use can significantly reduce the impact we have on the Earth. A modern lifestyle is possible - one that allows us to enjoy and benefit from today's conveniences while living in harmony with the Earth.
And because the technology to harness the Sun's power is available and affordable, it is something everyone can take practical action to use. Decide what you want to achieve, make a plan, and then take the first step. Yes, YOU can make a difference TODAY!
This is why I am passionate about solar energy.
My Solar Energy Vision
Vision without action is a dream.
Action without vision is simply passing the time.
Action with Vision is making a positive difference.
- Joel Barker
I see a future where...
- Every home is designed with passive solar energy elements to take advantage of the Sun
- Every home is built out of building materials that have solar technology integrated directly into the materials to efficiently capture the Sun's energy for electricity and heat
- Every home is self-sufficient and a net energy producer
- Energy production and use has no negative impact on the Earth
- Homeowners can maintain a "modern" lifestyle while having a positive impact on the Earth
So the next step for me is...
Bringing My Vision to Life
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Lao-Tzu (604 BC - 531 BC)
In early 2006, I came to a turning point in my life. One of my family members became very sick and it made me look inside myself to see what was really important in my life. It was during this self-analysis that I discovered my desire for a sense of harmony and need for practical action. After thoroughly looking at what I wanted in my life, I decided to focus my efforts on Solar Energy.
Well, as with most things, that was easier said than done. I kept coming up with possible ways to make my vision a reality, but there always seemed to be major roadblocks in the way. This went on for a couple of years.
Finally, in February 2008 I found a way that I could take the first step in bringing my vision to life!
I discovered...
Using SBI! this website was born. I am able to share my solar energy knowledge and excitement with homeowners all over the world. It gives me the opportunity to explore the many ways solar energy can be used by individual homeowners to help them live in harmony with the Earth (although, everyone has their own reasons for going solar). But beyond that, I can also give people the practical tools they need to get started with solar energy.
The great thing about SBI! is that it doesn't require any knowledge or experience in website design. This allows me to focus 100% on my passion - Solar Energy!
I Hope You Enjoy My Solar Energy Website!
Well, now you know a little bit about me and my solar energy website. I hope you are able to find some inspiration and practical information from my site that you can use to bring YOUR solar energy dreams to life!
Thanks for visiting!
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